Be at peace with and of God

Few people would dispute an incredible level of unrest pervades our world.

Daily news with horrific pictures of beheadings by an insidious enemy whose tentacles reach into our own “backyard,” bundled with a host of nuances in virtually every area of life are unsettling.

Even increased environmental catastrophes seem to reference the Apostle Paul’s insight that “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain” with a burden of unrest (Romans 8:22). But none of it surprises our Lord Who said, “In the world you shall have tribulation” ( John 16:33).

The reality, of course, cannot be ignored. But none of this need unnecessarily distress us.

Most of us have heard from our childhood that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.” Within His life mission are included marvelous assurances and provisions of peace that can equip us to handle all the uncertainty and drama that threatens us.

We can’t avoid it. But it needn’t control us.

Intervention of providence in both our nation and the state of Israel is a fact of reassuring history.

Peace, in spite of pain, is our heritage if we understand it.

Followers of Christ know the Bible describes two kinds of peace: peace with God and the peace of God. It’s helpful to understand the difference.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans (5:1) that “we have peace with God and Father through our Lord Jesus Christ,” a fact that references what believers annually remember at Easter and more frequently as we receive Holy Communion.

It candidly recognizes the human family sinned and distanced itself from God.

But through the death and resurrection of Jesus, peace can be restored with God “through” Jesus.

The broken connection now can be restored.

It’s significant that in his letter to the Philippians (4:7) the apostle brings the provision of peace a bit further.

He writes, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

We mustn’t miss the difference.

There’s something “quantitative” there – something of substance – that can’t be put in a cup and measured.

But paradoxically, if it’s not there, one clearly knows it.

It could be this is what our Lord referred to when He said, “my peace I give unto you – my peace I leave with you.”

It has substance that settles anxiety, gives perspective and holds one steady.

It’s what one experiences as one moves beyond simply establishing his peace with God through accepting Christ as his personal Savior.

When faith becomes more intimate than institutional; more Christ than Church, this “peace that passes all understanding” keeps one cool.

In perplexing and confusing circumstances, like a legion of soldiers, it will “garrison” (protectively encircle) one’s heart and mind.

That’s the apostle’s take on it.

We need to remember and depend upon it!

Years ago while visiting a Roman Catholic Church the priest asked all the congregants to stand and “share their peace” with their neighbors.

What an inspiring experience, and reaffirming, as each said to the other, “peace,” with a smile in their hearts.

It reminded me of the practice in my youth among early Italian Pentecostal believers, who greeted one another by saying, “Pace!” – or “Peace!”

Our Jewish friends also greet each other with a hearty “Shalom” (peace) in remembrance of the God, Who is our peace.

To verbalize “peace” is powerful and uplifting!

The earth might rumble, tsunamis might rise and fall, Iran and Russia might rattle their sabers, Washington might play clandestine politics, Fergusons might burn, ISIS might threaten, sons and daughters might disappoint, the dollar might die and chaos might threaten.

Thee Good News is that the believer, who has accepted peace with God also can enjoy the peace of God during the turmoil.

Peace and stability are reassured as we remember:

Nothing surprises our God

God is in control.

By giving His son at Calvary He already proved He can take care of the problem.

That’s what restored our peace with Him.

And nothing can be bigger than that.

So relax. We will never be immune to trouble in this world. But we can be at peace in it.

Our Lord wrote the Book, and He has the last word. Be at peace. Pace. Shalom. Share it with your friends.

The Rev. Guy BonGiovanni is president of Life Enrichment Ministries Inc. in Canfield, a published writer and retired general overseer of the Christian Church of North America.